What’s new in South Australia – a lot!

New Walk: Great Southern Walk, Fleurieu Peninsula

The Southern Ocean Walk, launched in April, is a three-night four-day guided hike including some of the most spectacular scenery along the iconic Heysen Trail (Australia’s longest walking trail). The walk starts just a 90-minute drive from the vineyard city of Adelaide, down on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Guests will be treated to an incredible display of native wildlife in the wild including mobs of Western Grey kangaroos, short-beaked echidnas, ring-tailed possums, rare species of birds and maybe even some whales against the backdrop of the Southern Ocean. Local Barry Duykers designed the walk and leads it, sharing his knowledge of, and passion for, this very special corner of Australia. The experience costs from $2190 (approx. £1,200) and includes the walk, accommodation at a very comfortable lodge, delicious local food and matched wines, park fees and return transfers from Adelaide. It runs from April – September every year. www.southernoceanwalk.com.au

New Winery Sleepovers

Hutton Vale Farm, a ‘home from home’ in the Barossa

Upon European settlement the Angas family took up land in the Barossa region of South Australia, near Adelaide. John Howard Angas named his property Hutton Vale Farm in 1843 and to this day it remains in the family, as a working farm and vineyard. Just last month (June 2019) they opened J.H.A. Stone Cellar, a stunning two bedroom cottage with wonderful winery views. It is a blend of old and new with thick stone walls, glass windows, a dedicated museum wine room, and quality fittings throughout. The original building has the initials JHA carved into the stone, after John Howard Angas, the current owner’s great great grandfather.

Hutton Vale Farm has its own airstrip, and the delightful family offer a range of experiences to their guests including vineyard tours, superb home cooking by Jan and the option to have tasting platters with hand-made preserves and chutneys served in the new cottage along with the farm’s award winning boutique wines. Overnight stays at J.H.A Stone Cellar cost from$950 per night(approx. £520), based on four guests staying/ minimum two-night stay including breakfast provisions. A direct booking facility will be added to the website shortly.

The newest off-grid eco-hideaway has opened in Kuitpo bordering the McLaren Vale wine region – about an hour’s drive from the vineyard city of Adelaide. As with Jude, the first CABN which opened in the Adelaide Hills in 2017, Matilda helps guests disconnect from the digital world in stunning surrounds. The 2.5 x 6-metre tiny house sleeps two people comfortably and up to four people with an additional mattress. Prices start from $190 (approx. £105) per night for a minimum of two nights. Locally sourced food and drink packages can be arranged for an additional fee. https://cabn.life/product/kuitpo/

New City Tour: Flamboyance Tours, Adelaide

New for this year is a two-hour walk through Adelaide led by passionate guides who share the history of the city and details about the areas included on the tour such as Rundle Mall, the Adelaide Oval, Central Market and the Riverbank. Designed for curious visitors looking to experience Adelaide through local eyes, the tours depart from Rundle Mall Thursday to Tuesday at 10.30am and Wednesdays at 2.30pm. This is a tips-based walk, where guests are encouraged to pay the guide what they think the tour is worth. https://flamboyancetours.com.au/tour/tips-based-adelaide-walking-tour/

And finally: Barossa Shiraz wins best wine in the world award!

In May 2019, South Australian produced Wild Witch Shiraz won the best wine in the world award at the prestigious London Wine Competition. Produced by Barossa Valley winery Kellermeister Wines, Wild Witch Shiraz’s 2015 vintage won the ‘wine of the year’ honours. Visitors to the Barossa can taste the wine in situ at the winery’s fantastic cellar door. The wine retails for $85 per bottle (approx. £48).